I've wanted to do a post on just curly hair for as long as I started this blog. I find that most people (most hairdressers and hair stylists included) really haven't a faintest idea on how to handle curly hair properly. After 18 years of experience with this hair of mine, allow me to shed some light on curly haircare.

First, let's deal with some myths surrounding curls.


Myth #1: Curly hair IS an afro.

Fact: So not true! In fact, they are two separate categories - curly hair and kinked/wiry hair. The difference is actually a lot. The most obvious being that both look completely different from each other. Curly hair (if the word curly isn't descriptive enough) forms curly locks of several strands of hair. Kinked/wiry hair looks like frizz, whereby each and every strand is naturally zigg-zagged and individual, therefore creating the fuzzy look. So please don't make the mistake by describing beautiful curls as a 'fro'.

[Ah, but if you do like afros, curly hair can easily be turned into one by blowing wet hair upside down, at the same time combing and back-combing to separate each strand. Keep it big and high with lots of hairspray. I've done it once. ;)]

Myth #2: Curlyheads can only have long hair to look good.

Fact: You can have any length - long, mid-length or short. Really short, pixie-like styles is also possible (think Halle Berry when hers was short), but remember to make sure it suits your face-shape. The only thing about deciding the length is it really depends on whether you are willing to spend time doing your hair or not. If the answer is no, short and mid-length is better because it takes less maintenance.

[If you want to go short, stick to a layered cut (think Meg Ryan during her heyday) to prevent sides from spilling over and making you look like a frilly mushroom. In fact, best always go layered, no matter what the length. Blunt cuts are so outdated.]

Myth #3: Curly hair must be washed everyday to keep it under control.

Fact: You so think you're taking the easy way out by washing your hair daily so that you won't have to deal with frizz. Keep doing that and your hair will become even drier, frizzier and more prone to split ends. Don't ever do it. Just stick to this rule - wash it every other or every 2 days (you can even go more than that if you're so lazy, like me. Just as long people don't start avoiding you). The reason why you got to do this is because curly hair is the most manageable and the nicest a day after a wash. It has picked up natural oils, which is the best at keeping it tame. Same thing applies if you need your hair looking best for a function. It's better to wash the day before or 2 days before.

[If you really need to wash soon after your last wash, skip the shampoo. Instead, rinse, condition well then rinse.]

Myth #4: You cannot comb curly hair!

Fact: It's difficult but it can be done. My advice? Don't comb...when it's dry. It hurts like hell! Save yourself from the torture and only comb it when wet and conditioned (before rinsing out the conditioner) when you bath/shower. I do that, and it is such a lifesaver. Experts will say, "No, must comb or it'll tangle! Use a boar's bristle brush!" bla bla bla... Okay, as for tangles, yes, you must comb. But! the boar's bristle brush is expensive. Don't bother with it. My experience tells me that the best method is: When wet - wide-toothed comb; When dry - your fingers!

[I never understood why hairdressers are so stubborn and won't listen to me when I tell them to comb before rinsing out conditioner and not after. They always look at me strangely, as if I don't know how to handle my own hair!!!]

Myth #5: There is no point trying to have curly hair in humid weather. Look what happened to Monica in Friends when they went to the Bahamas.

Fact: All I can say is, I'm proof! It takes work but our Malaysian tropical weather should NOT be the reason why you need to commit 'curl murder' and go do rebonding/straightening. DON'T DO IT. The process not only destroys your opportunity of being so totally unique, but damages the hair beyond repair. Plus, it's much cheaper to maintain your natural hair type than changing it.

Enough myths. Time to go into the super-important tips for everyday care for your curly hair.

And that's all! It's really that simple. Of course, this is for the everyday gal who can't afford the time, energy and money to do treatments and more high-maintenance stuff. This is basically all I do for my hair. These are definitely time-tested tips from someone who really knows about curly hair and the stress that goes into it when trying to keep it manageable.

As for products, Dove shampoo and conditioner for Dry hair is excellent and I've been using it for years. I am a great fan of the Japanese brand Lucido-L Moisture Styling hair cream. Its got no fragrance so you don't feel too bombarded with smell when you apply it and its non-sticky. Plus, it only costs RM15 at Watsons and Guardian. One bottle can last me 2-3 months++.

I believe it really worth taking a little time and effort to take care of this type of hair. All it needs is some TLC. Sure, I spend an hour max. washing, styling and blowing my hair. But it's only a couple times a week and the results pay off. Girls who truly embrace their natural curly hair are rare. And it doesn't hurt to receive compliments every now and again! ;D

Bottomline, embrace your beautiful, naturally curlicious hair!

Say NO to rebonding/straightening! :D